November 3, 2023 7:00 am

The Science of Math Instruction: Incorporating Research-Based Instruction into Technology

Everyone’s talking about the science of reading, but what about mathematics? Take a look at agreed-upon best practices called cognitively-guided instruction, as well as technology that puts it into practice.

Teaching mathematics means more than introducing algorithms and procedures to students. Research shows that effective instruction also involves the development of a student’s conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

One research-based approach to mathematics instruction is Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), as described in Children’s Mathematics: Cognitively Guided Instruction (Carpenter et al., 2014). CGI shifts an educator’s focus away from direct instruction and toward understanding an individual student’s mathematical thinking. The teacher then leverages this understanding as the foundation to guide the student toward increasingly complex concepts.

Now, as online programs gain popularity in today’s classrooms, schools have the opportunity to choose technology that not only supports students’ procedural fluency but also aligns with research-based principles to develop students’ conceptual understanding. By evaluating the technology we bring to students through the lens of a framework such as CGI, we can help ensure that students have the opportunity to develop the skills they need to succeed beyond memorization.

What is Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI)?

CGI is an approach to teaching mathematics that focuses on students’ critical thinking and problem-solving. Instead of just showing students how to solve a problem, teachers guide students to explore strategies and approaches that make sense from their unique understanding of a situation. The following are just some of the principles of CGI, as highlighted in Children’s Mathematics (Carpenter et al., 2014).

Problem Solving: Students are encouraged to tackle problems using critical thinking and creativity before receiving direct instruction. Given a story problem anchored in a real-world context familiar to students (such as sharing a food item among friends), students reason using a strategy of their choice.
Teacher as a Facilitator: Teachers transition away from the role of traditional instructors and toward the role of facilitators. They listen to students’ strategies, pose thought-provoking questions, and steer discussions while providing opportunities for students to learn from their peers’ thought processes.
Building on Prior Knowledge: Students bring their experiences and understandings into the classroom. Teachers leverage each student’s prior knowledge as a foundation and layer new concepts on top of the ideas that students have already grasped.

Applying CGI to Online Learning

When designed with research-based principles in mind, online programs have the ability to increase accessibility to effective instruction. For example, the following characteristics of various online programs provide the flexibility to support CGI practices.

Adaptive Learning Environments: Adaptive learning environments powered by algorithms can provide students with a personalized learning experience that caters to their unique needs and preferences. By analyzing a student’s performance and feedback, online platforms can generate customized content tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. This approach to learning aligns with CGI’s emphasis on personalized education, which recognizes that every student has a unique learning style and pace.
Virtual Manipulatives: Utilizing virtual tools, such as base-ten blocks, offers students an interactive experience to experiment with variables and visualize outcomes. This approach enables them to select the appropriate device that aligns with their current understanding and apply critical thinking and creativity to solve a given problem.
Real-world Problem Solving: Online platforms can offer practical problem-solving exercises that mirror real-life challenges. This approach aligns with cognitively guided instruction’s emphasis on applying mathematical concepts to everyday situations. By bridging the gap between theory and practical significance, students can gain a deeper, contextual understanding of mathematics and its relation to the world around them.

By incorporating CGI practices with online platforms’ capabilities, we can anchor each student’s learning experience in student-centered, data-driven instruction.

The Idaho Study: A Snapshot of Research-Based Technology in Action

Imagine Math ISAT Performance Research Brief

Read the Full Study

Imagine Math is one supplemental, personalized online program that incorporates the features highlighted above. It presents students with problems, equips them with virtual tools, and adapts its levels of support in response to students’ answers. “Imagine Math’s personalized learning platform aligns with each student’s needs while providing the right amount of challenge to help the student achieve grade-level proficiency,” said Sari Factor, Chief Strategy Officer at Imagine Learning (New Study Reveals Significant Gains in Student Math Performance with Imagine Math, 2023).

This year, a study was conducted to assess the impact of Imagine Math on students’ academic performance. The study analyzed over 4,000 math assessment scores from the Idaho State Assessment Test (ISAT) of students in grades 4 through 8. The assessment scores were taken from schools across four different districts in Idaho during the 2021-22 academic year. Key takeaways from the research include:

The relationship between Imagine Math lessons passed, and ISAT score growth is positive for all grades and statistically significant for grades 4 through 7.
Positive and significant relationships between Imagine Math lessons passed and ISAT math score growth for various student subgroups, including special education students, English learners, students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, and Hispanic/Latino or American Indian/Alaskan Native students.

These findings underscore the potential of platforms like Imagine Math that align with student-centered methodologies to enhance student outcomes.

The Future of Math Instruction

In today’s rapidly evolving society, education has significantly shifted due to technological advancements and a more comprehensive understanding of how individual students learn. By leveraging technology that incorporates research-based instruction, educators can create a more engaging and effective learning experience for students, leading to better academic outcomes and a more promising future.

About the Author – Erin Springer

Erin Springer is a former elementary school teacher who transitioned to supporting other teachers as a Professional Development Specialist at Imagine Learning. She is enthusiastic about helping teachers use educational technology to improve student outcomes, save time, and understand students’ needs.

Citations:

Carpenter, T. P., Fennema, E., Franke, M. L., Levi, L., & Empson, S. B. (2014). Children’s Mathematics: Cognitively Guided Instruction (2nd ed.). Heinemann.

Imagine Learning. (2023, June 20). New Study Reveals Significant Gains in Student Math Performance with Imagine Math [Press release]. https://www.imaginelearning.com/press/study-reveals-significant-gains-student-math-performance-imagine-math/

September 7, 2023 10:21 am

Soft Skills with Big Impact: the 4Cs of STEM

Make STEM classrooms a playground for curiosity, a canvas for creativity, a stage for communication, and a hub for collaboration. When students embrace these skills, they’re not just preparing for the future — they’re shaping it.

“Hey Siri, how many rings does Saturn have?”

“Alexa, tell me what the square root of 1089?”

“ChatGPT: give me HTML code to embed a basic calculator on a webpage.”

There was a day when students had to ask their teachers, librarians, or even consult an encyclopedia for this type of information. But those days are long (like really long) gone, and the teacher is no longer the only keeper of information in the room.

Since the teacher’s role is evolving due to new technologies, and certainly students are not motivated to memorize what Alexa already knows, what should STEM classrooms be focused on? What skills are employers in STEM careers looking for if ChatGPT can produce code for free?

A 2018 survey by the Association of American Colleges & Universities showed, “that just 34 percent of top executives and 25 percent of hiring managers say students have the skills to be promoted. Many of those skills are soft skills — communication, team work, problem-solving — that are critical in a quickly shifting job market. Entry-level skills change every few years; it’s the habits of learning to learn and navigating the ambiguity of a career that will prove most valuable to undergraduates in the long run.”

The National Education Association has boiled these soft skills down to the 4 Cs: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration. Let’s explore why these 4Cs are critical to providing a modern STEM education that gives students real career opportunities.

1. Critical Thinking: where curiosity begins

Imagine a classroom buzzing with questions. Except, not fact-based “how many rings does Saturn have” questions. Questions like: is it possible for New York City to become carbon neutral? What would that plan look like? Or: why does the kind of water (fresh or salt) affect how long it takes an ice cube to melt? That’s the power of critical thinking at work. It’s all about encouraging young minds to ask, “Why?” and “How?” Critical thinkers don’t just accept things at face value; they dig deeper. When students learn to analyze information, separate facts from opinions, and spot patterns, they become problem-solving heroes.

Picture a group of students exploring a science experiment. Instead of just following a set of instructions, they’re asking themselves, “What will happen if we change this variable?” That’s critical thinking igniting their imagination — it’s like a spark that lights up their learning journey.

2. Creativity: where imagination takes flight

Creativity isn’t just for artists — it’s a skill that every STEM student needs. It’s about looking at a problem from a different angle and dreaming up new solutions. Think of it as the magic wand that turns ordinary ideas into extraordinary ones.

Take a moment to think about a famous inventor, like Thomas Edison. He didn’t just stumble upon the light bulb; it took him 1000 attempts to find a design that worked. Creativity is what made him keep going, even when things got tough. Encouraging our students to think outside the box, to come up with wild ideas, and to believe that they can change the world — that’s the heart of creativity in STEM education.

3. Communication: bridges between minds

Imagine a world where nobody understood each other. It would be chaotic, right? Communication is like a bridge that connects our thoughts to the world. In STEM, it’s not enough to have brilliant ideas; you also need to share them effectively.

Think about a young engineer who designs an amazing new gadget. If they can’t explain how it works to others, their idea might never see the light of day. Teaching students how to express complex ideas in simple terms empowers them to inspire, collaborate, and bring their innovations to life.

4. Collaboration: teamwork for triumph

Remember the saying, “Two heads are better than one”? That’s the spirit of collaboration. In a world where problems are more complex than ever, working together is key. Collaboration is like a puzzle; each piece has its role, and when they come together, they create something amazing.

Think about a group of students working on a science project. Some are great at designing, others excel at research, and a few are natural leaders. When they pool their talents, their project becomes a masterpiece. It’s the same spirit that built the tallest skyscrapers and sent humans to the moon.

Putting the 4Cs into action

Imagine a classroom where students use their critical thinking skills to solve a real-world problem. Maybe they’re designing a water-saving system for their school garden. They brainstorm creative ideas, like using rainwater and self-watering plants. Then, they work as a team to build the system and explain their design to their classmates. These students are embracing the 4Cs in action: critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration.

Empowering educators for success

As educators, you’re the guides on this exciting journey. You hold the keys to nurturing the 4Cs in your students. Encourage them to question, to dream, to share, and to work together. Make STEM education a playground for curiosity, a canvas for creativity, a stage for communication, and a hub for collaboration.

When students embrace these skills, they’re not just preparing for the future — they’re shaping it.

Imagine Learning STEM

Prepare the next generation of STEM leaders with digital and hands-on learning aligned to the 4 Cs.

Tell Me More

About the Author – Carolyn Snell

Carolyn Snell started her career in education teaching first grade in San Bernardino, California. A passion for the way technology and stellar curricula can transform classrooms led her to various jobs in edtech, including at the Orange County Department of Education. Her knack for quippy copy landed her a dream job marketing StudySync—an industry leading ELA digital curriculum. Now, as the Senior Content Marketing Manager for Imagine Learning, Carolyn revels in the opportunity to promote innovative products and ideas that are transforming the educational space for teachers and students.

July 9, 2025 8:00 am

Imagine Learning Launches Imagine+ Assessment, a Unified K–12 Suite for Screening, Diagnostics, and Formatives

New system helps educators and school districts meet early literacy mandates, streamline data use, and personalize instruction

Tempe, AZ — July 9, 2025 — Imagine Learning, a leading provider of digital-first PreK–12 solutions, today announced the launch of Imagine+ Assessment, a comprehensive K–12 assessment suite that combines screening, diagnostic, and formative tools in one cohesive system. Built to address rising demands for early identification of learning delays and impediments, real-time instructional support, and reduced over-testing, the suite enables educators to act on data without disrupting learning.

The Imagine+ Assessment suite includes:

Imagine+ Screener (PreK–3) – A game-powered tool that identifies students at risk for dyslexia and reading challenges in under 20 minutes
Imagine+ Diagnostic (K–12) – A computer-adaptive assessment measuring student growth and instructional readiness in English language arts (ELA) and math
Imagine+ Formatives (K–8) – A library of nearly 1,000 brief, standards-aligned assessments for ongoing evaluation of student learning

“Educators aren’t asking for more assessments—they’re asking for better outcomes,” said Kinsey Rawe, Executive Vice President & Chief Product Officer at Imagine Learning. “Imagine+ Assessment gives them the timely, relevant data they need from a single system built for instruction, not just evaluation.”

The need is urgent. In 2024, 40 percent of fourth-grade students scored below the Basic level in reading—the highest percentage of struggling readers in more than 30 years, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Districts face mounting pressure to identify gaps early and intervene before students fall further behind.

Assessment Designed for Classroom Realities
Imagine+ Assessment integrates directly with Imagine Learning instructional solutions such as Imagine Language & Literacy^® and Imagine MyPath^®, enabling personalized learning pathways from assessment results. It also complements a district’s existing assessment tools, allowing educators to strategically fill gaps and provide students with personalized support without overhauling their current infrastructure.

The suite’s robust data reporting supports decision-making at individual student, classroom, school, and district levels, and student diagnostics, classroom trends, and systemwide progress are all visible through one platform. Lexile^® and Quantile^® measures are included.

Meeting Pressing Needs Without Adding Burden
Imagine+ Assessment addresses several of today’s most critical instructional challenges:

Early Identification – Supports dyslexia mandates and MTSS frameworks by identifying reading risks before third grade
Instructional Efficiency – Reduces prep and grading time with built-in scoring, real-time dashboards, and intuitive, easy-to-interpret reports
Strategic Alignment – Helps unify fragmented assessment efforts under one cohesive platform
Equitable Personalization – Links insights to just-in-time instruction for students with diverse learning needs

The suite is now available nationwide and can be implemented independently or as part of a broader Imagine Learning solution.

About Imagine Learning
Imagine Learning creates K–12 learning solutions that support the boundless potential of students in more than half the districts nationwide. Empowered with data and insights from educators, we innovate to shape the future of education with a robust, digital-first portfolio of school services and core, courseware, and supplemental solutions. Imagine Learning. Empower potential.^® Learn more: imaginelearning.com.

June 30, 2025 9:00 am

How to Make This the Summer You Actually Put Yourself First

Burned out from another long school year? Forget bubble baths and five-step to-do lists — this no-nonsense take on summer self-care shares how to set boundaries and prioritize yourself, from saying no without guilt to redefining what productivity means.

With summer break comes a few truths: you need rest, you probably won’t get as much as you deserve, and every blog on the internet will tell you to light a candle and write a gratitude list. That’s right — it’s the season of blog posts and op-eds titled 5 Self-Care Tips for Teachers (or something similar). In theory, that’s great. And let’s be honest, we’ve written them too. No one can argue that teachers work extremely hard and deserve a dream vacation, a deep tissue massage, or long soaks in endless bubble baths.

The problem? It’s never that easy. Who has the time? Or the money? Self-care lists often include suggestions that feel like just another task to check off (gratitude lists, we’re looking at you) or give advice that’s totally unrealistic.

But the truth is, you do need to prioritize yourself during the break. Recent findings from RAND show that 60% of you are burned out, and 75% are struggling to find the joy in teaching anymore. That’s why, this summer, self-care is all about setting boundaries.

Here are a few realistic ways to do that.

Image of books, an eye mask and a pair of sneakers – items often associated with self-care

Saying no without guilt

You’ve said “yes” all year, but setting boundaries begins with the radical act of saying “no.” Easier said than done, right? From family responsibilities or caregiving to managing a side hustle, you can’t always say no, which is precisely why you have to when you can.

The hard truth is, there are only 24 hours in a day, and if you say yes to everything, you won’t have the energy or space to show up fully for anything. Sometimes, it might mean turning down something fun or even something you really feel you should say yes to — not because it’s not worth your time, but because you are.

Now for the next hurdle: the guilt. Feeling selfish or like you’re letting someone down is a common side effect of setting boundaries. What’s important to remember is you’re not. So try setting a limit on how many commitments you take on each week, practice pausing before you say yes, and avoid overexplaining — sometimes all it takes is a simple, “I’d love to, but I need a quiet one.”

Detoxing from devices (especially your emails)

For many of us, the first and last thing we do each day is check our phones. Texting, working, scrolling, researching — digital technology has completely transformed how we live. But it turns out that 24/7 access to everyone and everything is not great for your brain. Increased anxiety and depression, disrupted sleep, and shorter attention spans are just a few of the side effects of being switched on all the time.

To put it simply, it’s just not healthy to look at screens as much as we do. Summer is the perfect time to take a step back and try a digital detox — a conscious effort to reduce or eliminate digital devices. We’re not suggesting you go full Do Not Disturb until August. You can, however, set a digital curfew, log out of your school inbox, and have social media-free days each week. As someone who recently deleted an app that stole far too many hours of my life, I can report that it works.

A realistic detox isn’t about ditching tech completely, and it won’t look the same for any two people. Set clear goals that work for your lifestyle, commit to a realistic timeframe that feels manageable, and don’t worry if it’s a little uncomfortable at first — that’s part of the process. Most of all, enjoy the freedom.

Image of journal, iphone with unplugged headphones and a cup of ginger and lemon tea – items often associated with self-care

A cup of coffee, a notepad with a checklist, and a bowl of popcorn – items often associated with self-care

Lower the bar and redefine productivity

Lastly, here’s a little-known secret: you don’t need to make the most of every day — and sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is be unproductive. That’s right, you’re allowed to do absolutely nothing on purpose. Modern society tends to praise constant productivity, and it’s easy to start linking your self-worth to how much you’ve achieved. Rest doesn’t need to be earned (but let’s be honest, every teacher already has).

What does this look like in practice? Honestly, it’s different for everyone. For some, it’s putting your phone on Do Not Disturb, drawing the curtains, and watching movies without guilt. For others, it’s having a hot coffee without trying to tick things off the to-do list before anyone else wakes up. Basically, wherever your bar is, lower it, and don’t for a second feel bad about it.

If there’s one thing to take away from this blog post, it’s this: this summer is not about being better or reinventing yourself — it’s about being rested, protected, and finally off the clock.

About the Author – Anise Lee

Anise Lee is a Scotland-based writer with a background in education and marketing. She holds degrees in both fields and is particularly interested in storytelling. When she’s not binge-reading fiction or falling down a social media rabbit hole, she’s probably daydreaming about her next vacation — with her cat always nearby.

Coming for Back to School: Imagine MyPath Content Refresh

June 2025

Improved engagement for grades 6–12

All middle and high school math and reading lessons will feature modernized content. The core lesson structure and sequence will remain unchanged, ensuring continuity while enhancing engagement.

Science of reading content refresh

Updated K–3 lessons in Imagine MyPath Reading better align with science of reading principles, strengthening foundational reading instruction. In response to state legislation, we have removed three-cueing methodology, ensuring our content meets educational requirements while providing clear, research-based instruction.

Coming for Back to School: Imagine Sonday System Updates

June 2025

Science of reading expansion

New science of reading activities are now available across all Essentials levels, with targeted vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency exercises that complement core phonics instruction.

Enhanced performance and accessibility for digital content

Slides throughout Imagine Sonday System 1, 2, and Essentials have been upgraded to HTML format for faster loading and the inclusion of ADA compliance features, including alt text and updated fonts.

Improved support

The new Help Center replaces the Support site to improve navigation and level of detail in support documentation. Static PDF User Guide content on the current digital site will be repurposed and is now housed dynamically in the new Help Center.

New URLs for digital

Teacher and administration platform URLs will now reflect Imagine Learning branding and be found at imaginesonday.com (old URLs will redirect automatically, but we recommend updating bookmarks).

Coming for Back to School: Updates to Imagine+ Screener, Formerly EarlyBird

June 2025

Upcoming enhancements

Grade 3 assessment to expand early literacy screening
Mic check and device troubleshooting streamline testing process
Major enhancements to Kindergarten assessment

June 23, 2025 9:03 am

Imagine Learning Partners with School District of Philadelphia to Host Summer Institute and Boost Student Literacy

The School District of Philadelphia (SDP) will support 1,050 educators with science of reading literacy training and resources, leveraging Imagine Learning EL Education

Philadelphia, PA — June 23, 2025 — Imagine Learning, the nation’s largest provider of digital-first curriculum solutions, announced today its continued involvement in the School District of Philadelphia (SDP)’s Summer Institute, taking place June 23–27, 2025. This multi-day professional learning experience will equip 1,050 educators and administrators with best practices for implementing high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) in classroom instruction for the upcoming school year.

Now in its second year, the Summer Institute will nearly double the previous year’s participation and underscore SDP’s systemwide commitment to improving literacy outcomes. In partnership with Imagine Learning EL Education, the training delivers the tools and in-depth support educators need to make instruction more engaging, effective, and equitable for all students.

The hands-on feedback and classroom insights from SDP educators will directly inform Imagine Learning’s ongoing evolution of its implementation strategies, educator supports, and product development, ensuring our solutions continue to meet real classroom needs at scale.

“SDP’s commitment to academic achievement goes beyond test score performance — we want our students to feel empowered, engaged, and confident in their literacy skills,” said Tony B. Watlington, Sr. Ed.D., Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. “We are eager to continue implementing practices, like the science of reading principles and Imagine Learning’s EL Education, to make instruction more personalized and learning more equitable for educators and students alike.”

“At Imagine Learning, our mission is to support educators so they feel empowered and prepared to help every student on their unique learning journeys,” said Kinsey Rawe, EVP & Chief Product Officer. “We’re proud to partner with the School District of Philadelphia on the Summer Institute and collaborate on this critical work.”

In celebration of student success, SDP, Imagine Learning, and the Free Library of Philadelphia will also co-host a recognition dinner honoring 15 students in grades K–8 for outstanding EL Reading projects. These students exemplify the impact of high-quality, evidence-based instruction and the potential of every learner.

About Imagine Learning

Imagine Learning creates K–12 learning solutions that support the boundless potential of students in more than half the districts nationwide. Empowered with data and insights from educators, we innovate to shape the future of education with a robust, digital-first portfolio of school services and core, courseware, and supplemental solutions. Imagine Learning. Empower potential.^® Learn more: imaginelearning.com.

About the School District of Philadelphia

The School District of Philadelphia is the eighth-largest school district in the nation and the largest school district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Enrollment includes nearly 198,000 students in public, charter, and alternative schools, and approximately 19,000 employees. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Tony B. Watlington Sr., the School District’s vision is to prepare students to imagine and realize any future they desire. For more information about the School District, visit www.philasd.org.

New Imagine Sonday System 2 Readers

May 2025

Help students practice decoding chapter books at their reading level

New decodable readers aligned with levels 6–34 of Imagine Sonday System 2 and advanced levels of Imagine Sonday System 1 are now available. With three chapter-format stories each, these readers help students practice accurate, fluent decoding at their current reading level. Each set includes an activity guide for vocabulary and comprehension. Readers are directly integrated into Imagine Sonday System 2 lessons as additional guided reading options for Step 6 (Read Aloud). Students can access readers independently, as a class, or even at home.

Imagine MyPath Formatives Library Expansion

May 2025

More formative assessments available

76 new formatives have been added across language arts (48) and math (28), offering expanded grade-level coverage in foundational areas, such as vocabulary, grammar, geometry, data, and operations, along with enhanced support for early grades (K–3) and upper grades (6–8) with skills aligned to classroom instruction and state standards.

New Imagine Math Live Teaching Summer Hours

May 2025

Access live support all summer long

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Imagine EdgeEX: Section Gradebook Now Available

May 2025

Track progress for all section enrollments

Educators can now easily see progress, take action, and download the grading information for all enrollments in a section with the Section Gradebook.

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